ACROSS THE NATION.

Lilly settles suit on Prozac users' e-mail

July 26, 2002|By Items compiled from Tribune news services.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — Eight states will divide $160,000 in a settlement with Eli Lilly and Co. over allegations that the drugmaker mistakenly released the e-mail addresses of more than 600 people taking Prozac.

The people had signed up at a Lilly Web site for an automated e-mail reminding them to take their dose of the anti-depressant. In June 2001, an e-mail announcing the end of the service included the e-mail addresses of all 669 subscribers.

The Federal Trade Commission filed suit and the company agreed to settle in January, promising better safeguards.

On Thursday, Massachusetts Atty. Gen. Thomas Reilly said the company would pay $160,000 to Massachusetts and seven other states: California, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, New York, New Jersey and Vermont.

The agreement did not specify how the money would be divided. Sarah Nathan, a spokeswoman for Reilly, said those whose e-mail addresses were released would not get restitution because the states do not know their names and do not want them brought to light again.

"Lilly sincerely regrets that one of our employees made a mistake," the company said in a statement, adding that measures have been taken to prevent any similar error from happening.